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Following a hugely-successful 2013 Festival, the Ludlow Arts Festival this year returns with a bigger line-up of unmissable shows. Set against the historic and dramatic backdrop of Ludlow Castle - the country’s finest medieval ruined castle - there’s no better way to spend a summer evening than at one of the many performances which encompass music, comedy, drama and children’s shows. Many performances sold-out well in advance last year, so book early and often for the 2014 Ludlow Arts Festival!

FASCINATING AÏDA

Following a sold-out 2012 tour, three Olivier Award nominations and over 10 million YouTube hits for Cheap Flights (their infamous anthem to budget air travel), Dillie Keane, Adele Anderson and Liza Pulman celebrate 30 years of Fascinating Aïda and make a welcome return to this year’s Ludlow Arts Festival with their brand-new show, Charm Offensive. Expect topical new songs hot off the press, plus some outrageous old favourites, as Fascinating Aïda continue to grow old disgracefully!

THE KEN DODD HAPPINESS SHOW

Ludlow Castle will never before have heard so much laughter as Ken Dodd celebrates 60 years of happiness! One of Britain’s funniest comedians, of legendary status, Ken Dodd is an icon and national treasure who has been entertaining generations. Come and enjoy his famous Happiness Show in an evening of laughter and song presented by a comedy genius. Enjoy a fun-filled variety show with non-stop gags and a selection of songs in Ken Dodd's unique performance which is sure to be one of the hits of this year’s Festival.

BELLOWHEAD

Five-times winner of ‘Best Live Band’ at the Radio 2 Awards, Bellowhead have transported folk music into hitherto unknown territory and spearheaded the new folk boom. They are “the greatest live act in Britain” says BBC Radio 2’s Simon Mayo and the hordes of fans that treat every gig as a party clearly agree. Bellowhead occupy a unique place in Britain’s musical landscape: a blistering 11-piece band fusing folk, funk, rock, world, jazz, music hall and classical music. While their recorded exploits continue to go from strength to strength it’s still their explosive, spectacular and theatrical live shows that win them the most acclaim!

AN EVENING WITH RAY MEARS - THE OUTDOOR LIFE!

Ray Mears is perhaps the foremost expert in his field and no doubt the widest-travelled! Over the past two decades Ray Mears has become recognised throughout the world as an authority on the subject of Bushcraft and Survival through his work in some of the world’s most uninhabitable and harshest environments. Don’t miss this captivating theatre show in which Ray Mears talks about his life, shares stories from his many years surviving the wilderness and its colourful wildlife, and recounts his latest adventures in America and Australia!

JAZZ & BLUES SUNDAY AT THE CASTLE

We’ve gathered together some of the finest names in jazz and blues to bring you a one-off event in our Big Top Theatre. Session 1 includes Gareth Williams & Liz Pullman’s Tribute to Harold Arlon, Digby Fairweather’s Half Dozen, and Jacqui Dankworth. Session 2 includes Simon Spillett’s Tribute to Tubby Hayes, Ruby Turner, and Courtney Pine.

JIM DAVIDSON LIVE

Fresh from his triumph on Celebrity Big Brother! The people’s favourite and one of Britain’s greatest ever comedians, Jim Davidson OBE, telling it ‘like it is’ in the show you’ve all been waiting for.

THE SOOTY SHOW

Izzy Wizzy, let’s get busy! It’s The Sooty Show! Direct from Citv, Sooty comes to Ludlow with a fabulous new show to delight the whole family. Joining the nation’s favourite bear will be Sweep, Soo and Sooty's TV partner Richard Cadell - who will be attempting to keep Sooty from getting up to mischief!

MARTY WILDE & THE WILDCATS

A chance for Ludlow Festival-goers to see, live on stage, one of the only performing Rock 'n 'Roll pioneers in the world today. Marty Wilde played a significant role in the early, formative days of the Rock 'n 'Roll years. With his many hits and a host of wonderful songs from that era, Marty and his fabulous band The Wildcats take you back through some of the most exciting musical times this country has ever experienced!

MILTON JONES & PAUL ZERDIN

The multi-award-winning Milton Jones is a regular on Mock the Week, has appeared on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Live at the Apollo and he has headlined Dave’s One Night Stand. The previous winner of the Perrier Best Newcomer, Sony Award and British Comedy Award nominee appears at the Ludlow Arts Festival for the first time. Paul Zerdin, the Master Ventriloquist, hits Ludlow with his brand-new show featuring his favourite sponge characters, stand-up and some wicked audience participation! They might be cute little puppets but leave the kids at home! (Age Guidance: 15 & over)

ONCE IN A LIFETIMELUDLOW’S BIGGEST CONCERT EVER!

The perfect opportunity to see iconic music legends in one concert - David Essex, Showaddywaddy and the The Bay City Rollers! From hit records to hit musicals David Essex OBE has had one of the most enduring careers in music - lasting over 40 years to date. Showaddywaddy have long been established as Europe's most successful exponents of retro-inspired rock & roll and Les McKeown’s legendary Bay City Rollers became the soundtrack for a generation of teenagers growing up in the 70s.